Chillicothe (Tuesday, February 16, 3:45 p.m.) – Working quickly to expedite an emergency repair project on U.S. Route 35 in Jackson County, officials from the Ohio Department of Transportation have announced that construction is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning.

According to ODOT District 9 James A. Brushart, Stable Construction has mobilized crews and equipment to begin construction Wednesday, February 17, to repair the ledge and hillside adjacent to U.S. 35 following a rock slide that occurred between the 6.0 and 7.0-mile markers of the route’s eastbound lanes.

"Our team of construction engineers and highway management staff have been working as quickly as possible to expedite this project and restore the route to two lanes of traffic, and we are pleased that the contractors will begin working immediately," said Brushart.

On Wednesday, February 10, a rock slide occurred near Caves Road, approximately six miles east of the Jackson-Ross County line. Upon field review by ODOT engineers and geologists, it was determined that other rocks or boulders along the hillside may be unstable and should be removed. This led to a Type A Emergency contract being awarded and allowing construction to move forward this week.

Currently, U.S. 35 is reduced to one lane in the eastbound direction; however, crews from Stable Construction will close the route’s passing lane at 9 a.m. tomorrow, February 17, to remove the largest rocks from the ledge. The route will be closed during operational hours only, with it likely to reopen to one lane of traffic during the evening. At other times during this project, the route will continue to be reduced to one lane of traffic and subject to intermittent periods of closure for up to 30 minutes.

“Safety is ODOT's priority, and closure of the route is necessary for the safety of the traveling public, as well as the safety of our contractors and crews,” added Brushart.

While U.S. 35 East is closed, traffic will be detoured by way of U.S. 35 at Chillicothe to U.S. 23 South to Piketon, to S.R. 32 East to Jackson to U.S. 35. Although it is anticipated that the route will be reopened to one lane of traffic by Wednesday evening, it is recommended that motorists follow this detour to avoid possible delays at other times during construction.

All work is expected to be completed by Wednesday, February 24, and westbound traffic should not be affected by the restrictions and/or closures.

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For more information contact: Kathleen Fuller, public information officer,ODOT District 9